Alabama House Democrats: Make Juneteenth a State Holiday

      Members of the Democratic House Caucus in the Alabama Statehouse are calling on the legislative leadership to make Juneteenth a state holiday (though they do not follow my suggestion and call for making it a replacement for one of the state confederate holidays):

 

"Today, we celebrate Juneteenth and the historic significance of the Emancipation Proclamation. That is why with great joy, the Alabama House Democratic Caucus applauds the United States Congress and President Joe Biden, and for making Juneteenth an official federal holiday to celebrate the end of slavery in our nation. We also honor Ms. Opal Lee, who has spent over forty years working with Congress to make the official observance of Juneteenth a national event.

Furthermore, we commend Alabama Governor Kay Ivey for proclaiming this Juneteenth a state holiday and her request to the Alabama Legislature to pass a bill that would make it a permanent annual celebration.

During the last legislative session, Representative Thomas Jackson (D-Clarke) introduced HB114 which would have made Juneteenth officially recognized in Alabama. Rep. Jackson and the Alabama House Democratic Caucus are eager to work with our colleagues across the aisle to achieve this goal. In fact, Representative Juandalynn Givan (D-Jefferson) plans to pre-file enabling legislation that will help this important bill be considered in the next legislative session.

According to Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, “We are excited that Juneteenth is finally being given the historical recognition that it deserves. Juneteenth also shows us that our collective journey for equality and social justice is far from over.”

We will not lose focus on the fact that the freedom we cherish is protected by our sacred right to vote and the precious guarantee of our civil and human rights. These rights are under assault, and they must never be taken for granted. That’s what this Juneteenth is all about and it is long past time for that enduring promise of freedom to be fulfilled completely.

Juneteenth is also a solemn reminder that our freedom to prosper is only secured by our freedom to vote.

The celebration of Juneteenth speaks to our souls- it is about freedom, remembrance, and healing."